The paths to becoming a Second Lieutenant

The Marine Corps has several programs to pursue a commission as an officer. Whichever path you choose, once you have earned your commission you are appointed the rank of second lieutenant and ready to lead Marines.

A finish line. And a starting point.

For twelve arduous weeks you are known and treated as a recruit. It is only after every demand has been met that a senior drill instructor will stand eye to eye and address you, and your platoon, as a Marine.

Officer Service Options

Active or Reserve, Officer candidates must complete Officer Candidates School through various paths as well as six intense months at The Basic School. This is where one is instilled with the confidence to stand in front of—and in charge of—elite warriors.

Marines pride themselves on being willing to take the fight to the enemy in any clime and place, but will never complain about getting a lift. Since the introduction of helicopter squadrons in military operations, Marines have been able to go farther and faster to protect America's interests.

Exercise Agile Spirit came to close during a distinguished visitors day event and closing ceremony at Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, July 21-22. Agile Spirit was a NATO-linked two-week multilateral force-on-force exercise held to improve military tactics and partnerships.

Cameroon is a central African country with 22 million residents. LCpl Caleb Nti, an administrative specialist with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lived in Cameroon until he was 14, when his parents decided to move to the U.S.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force and members of the armed forces of Bulgaria, Romania, United Kingdom and Albania completed the culminating event for Platinum Lion 15-3.

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation presented more than 40 local students with scholarships during the Scholarship Announcement Ceremony at Marston Pavilion aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune July 10.

"It was hard for us, being from another country," said Ewa Perkowski, a Polish immigrant. "I didn't know anything about the Marines. My husband was in the Polish Army, but it was mandatory service. I never thought that he would join the military at all. Even though I wasn't always a citizen, he was born here. This was always his country."

What the Corpsman doesn't know, won't hurt 'em. "The other two corpsmen and I had no clue the training was going to occur and were not told it was just training until after we treated and evacuated the patient.” — Petty Officer 3rd Class Trevor A. Tisby, hospital corpsman

You voted and this week's Corps top shot comes from Cpl. Matthew Bragg. He captured this photo of Marines honoring the remains of approximately 36 Marines who fought and died during the Battle of Tarawa during World War II.

"Congratulations to the Marine Corps for leading the way. The F-35 government and industry team will continue to deliver on our commitments to field the world's finest combat aircraft for the United States and our allies." — Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan | F-35 Program Executive Officer Read More: http://go.usa.gov/3ABhB

Give us 19 seconds and we'll tell you all you need to know about the Corps' latest news. This week's headlines include the deaths of four Marines and one sailor, the F-35 is declared Initial Operation Capable, and 36 Marines from the Battle of Tarawa are returned home. Link to full video: http://youtu.be/JcEihk4TukY

Marines conduct platoon attacks during a training exercise at The Combat Center at Twentynine Palms. “Improving marksmanship, communication and violence of action are all skills that ensure we do this job right.” — Lance Cpl. Randy Dick, grenadier with 1st Platoon

The week's best photos from around the Corps. Help select the "Corps Top Shot" by liking, commenting on or sharing your favorite image. The image with the most combined hits by the end of the day will be crowed as our photo of the week.

The Senate confirmed Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., as the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff July 29, 2015. He will be only the second Marine to ever serve in the position. Ooh-rah, Sir!

Marines and their partner the CH-53E Super Stallion work to infiltrate any climb or place at a moment's notice. “This type of training is important because it gives the Marines the opportunity to conduct TSE [Tactical Site Exploitation] methods and also be able to exploit an actual village to set up an inner and outer cordon,” — 1st Lt. Alan Blackburn, Platoon Commander

Marines are able to stand tall only with the help of those who came before them.

Marines take aim at their goals during Pre-Scout Sniper course. “Not only can they engage targets from long distances, but they can also give oversight on the whole battle space." — Lance Cpl. Robert Mueller, amphibious reconnaissance operator Read More: http://go.usa.gov/37ERR

Our mission is to prevent unwanted sexual contact. Our priority is to support Marines who have experienced it. If you have experienced unwanted sexual contact, the DoD Safe Helpline (https://www.safehelpline.org/) can provide secure and confidential support that is not associated with your installation or command. Or, talk to your uniformed victim advocate (UVA). Marine Corps Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) experts are on hand now to respond to your questions and comments below.

Marines with 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st EOD Co. and the Make-A-Wish America foundation work together to make James Gallant's dream of being an EOD Marine a reality. “I think it was all amazing…he really enjoyed being a part of something and I’m happy for him.” — Sarah Silverstein, James’ Mother. http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/611101/granting-a-wish-eod-style.aspx

Marines laid to rest Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in Tennessee, July 24, 2015. "Staff Sgt. Wyatt is a great American, a loving father, husband, friend and Marine. He's the type of person we all strive to be." — Maj. Michael Abrams, commander of Battery M

Marines on Camp Lejeune practice at the urban demolition range for their upcoming deployment. "During the upcoming deployment, Marines must be prepared to respond to any number of situations and execute a wide range of missions." — 1st Lt. Connor McCubrey, Platoon Commander

Marines will always bring their own home after the fight is over, no matter how long it takes. Marines with Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) honor the remains of 36 Marines who fought and died during the Battle of Tarawa.

Laid to Rest – – – Marines with 14th Marine Regiment carry the casket of Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, who was laid to rest at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, July 24, 2015. Wyatt is one of five service members who died when a gunman attacked the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sara Graham)

Marines will always bring their own home after the fight is over, no matter how long it takes. Marines with 3rd Marine Division honor the remains of 36 Marines who fought and died during the Battle of Tarawa.

You voted and this week's Corps top shot comes from Cpl Andre Dakis. He shot this photo of a Marine providing security for his team while conducting a joint Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure exercise during a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean.

Marines never leave anyone behind. People.com tells the story of the Chattanooga Marines that saved others before making the ultimate sacrifice. "The fallen are part of a new legacy. All Marines should be proud of how this unit performed." — Maj. Clark Carpenter, Headquarters Marine Corps

The Marines from Mike Battery who lost 4 brothers on July 16, 2015, came together in remembrance. "For me, it felt like once we put the guidon together, we started putting ourselves back together." — Sgt. Jeff Cantu, Supply Chief

The week's best photos from around the Corps. Help select the "Corps Top Shot" by liking, commenting on or sharing your favorite image. The image with the most combined hits by the end of the day will be crowned as our photo of the week.

Reconnaissance Marines are parachuting into the ocean, on purpose. "Like a lot of things, it’s inherently dangerous, but the professionalism of the jumpers and jump masters is what makes it occur.” — Capt. Steven Uziel

Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen teach Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos small-boat operations and maintenance in Senegal. “We tried to pass to the Senegalese that, while boat training carries an inherent risk, they are an excellent way to conduct military operations." — U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Bowden, officer-in-charge

Monday got you down? Give us 20 seconds and we'll give you all the motivation you need for the week ahead. This week, Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and Australian soldiers execute an air assault course during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015.

Changes to the Uniform of the Day? The Marine Corps Uniform Board wants your feedback on proposed changes to the Corps' uniform of the day policy and the female dress blue coat. Active duty and reserve Marines can take the survey, which closes Aug. 9, 2015, here: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/application

From the Nest — — — Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Maritime Raid Force look for their targets from an MH-60S Sea Hawk from the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21. These Marines practiced aerial sniping out of the helicopter to work on their accuracy shooting from the air. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released)

Marines with 1st Marine Division takes on Raid Leaders Course. “The biggest thing that we push is to be a thinker, rather than waiting on someone to tell them what to do,” — Sgt. Nathan Sleeman, Instructor

From Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.: "Please keep our fallen Marines in Tennessee and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Also pray for a speedy recovery of those wounded and affected by this tragedy. Our focus remains on supporting the families of our Marines."

A message from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on the shooting in Chattanooga. Semper Fidelis.

The Marine Corps can confirm four Marine fatalities at the Navy & Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, TN. Names of these Marines will be released upon notification of the next of kin. We can also confirm one Marine Corps recruiter suffered a wound to the leg while working at the Chattanooga recruiting office, was treated at a local hospital and has been released. Our priorities are focused on supporting the families of our Marines involved and assisting local investigators.

We are closely monitoring the developing situation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with the U.S. Navy and law enforcement authorities. We will provide further details as they are confirmed.

Say hello to our rockets. Marines with III MEF light up the sky with their HIMARS during Talisman Sabre 2015 in Northern Territory, Australia. Be sure to follow III MEF Marines for more action from down under.

Give us 16 seconds and we'll tell you all you need to know about the Corps' latest news. This week's headlines include the nomination of Lt. Gen. Robert B. Neller as the next commandant, a change in the maternity leave policy and Talisman Sabre 2015. Link to full video: http://youtu.be/QOSyOIVmC2M

Marines descend from a CH-53E Super Stallion and insert into an area under the cover of darkness. "Flying at night definitely tactically aids us. It’s another tactic that keeps the enemy from targeting us [and] firing [at] us. Obviously, doing things at night is tougher. [There’s] less visibility ... so you really need to have that muscle memory down in order to execute the proper procedures.” — Capt. Joseph Tremaine, Super Stallion pilot

Marines at the The Combat Center at Twentynine Palms compete with the Benelli M1014 shotgun, the M9 pistol and the M16 or M4 service rifle during the Western Regional Combat Match. “Combat matches give Marines the opportunity to use skills that are not found in the traditional marksmanship courses. The Marine has to multitask to reload their weapon, walk, engage targets, know which targets to engage and when to engage them.” — Capt. Jared Dalton, officer in charge

Monday got you down? Give us 20 seconds and we'll give you all the motivation you need for the week ahead. This week, Marines and Sailors, with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted a Combat Marksmanship Program range aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 11 get hands-on experience on and off-loading equipment and supplies from a ship. “We take the resources that we need to assist, load it onto a ship, in this case the USS Boxer, where it will push out and allocate those supplies to assist whatever civilians need help.” — 1st Lt. Caitlin Larson, landing support platoon commander

Marine recruiter, Sgt. Cody Leifheit, in Lewiston, Idaho, recalls an incident where he responded to a 19-year-old man hanging himself from a tree outside his house, June 7, 2015. "This is just me being human. If you're physically capable of doing something to save someone, you do it,” — Sgt. Cody Leifheit

Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter went to Fort Gordon on Thursday to encourage wounded service members to never give up their fight. “Everyone sitting in front of me has raised their right hand and volunteered at dangerous and unsure times in our nation’s history. For that, I thank you for your service... It’s just as much your medal as mine." — Medal of Honor recipient, Kyle Carpenter

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After 20 days of intense fighting, the Marines won the Battle of Belleau Wood. The German soldiers, exhausted and wounded, gave a fitting nickname to their relentless opponent: Teufelhunden, or "Devil Dogs."

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Since I first joined the Marines, I have advocated aggressiveness in the field and constant offensive action. Hit quickly, hit hard and keep right on hitting. Give the enemy no rest, no opportunity to consolidate his forces and hit back at you.